Veterinary Technology

Why Study Veterinary Technology

At Foothill College, we have career training for both veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants. What's the difference between the two programs?

Veterinary Technician

Learn more about the Vet Tech program, including cost of program

Veterinary Assistant

Open enrollment
No prerequisites
No degree or license
Training not recognized by the AVMA.

Learn more about the Veterinary Assisting program

Career Opportunities

As a veterinary technician, you'll serve primarily as a professional assistant to veterinarians, biomedical researchers, and other scientists, and as such are an integral part of the veterinary health care team.

To work in the field, you must possess a unique combination of knowledge and skill involving basic science, animals, and people.

As the complexity of veterinary medicine increases, and as the public demand for state-of the-art care for their animals increases, the veterinary technician will play an ever increasing role in the delivery of excellent health care for animals.

The greatest demand for veterinary technicians is in a private veterinary practice working along side the veterinarian caring for companion animals. However, the demand for veterinary technicians in other fields is increasing.

Featured [Term] Course

Use this to showcase a unique or high-interest course in your department. Focus on what makes the course stand out—such as hands-on learning, fieldwork, local relevance, or skill-building. Keep the description concise but informative. Include course name, description, and a link to the course catalog or more info if available.

[Course Number] [CRN]

Optional Header

Highlight a unique experiential learning opportunity offered by the department, such as a study abroad program, fieldwork experience, or intensive course. Focus on what makes it exciting and academically valuable. Mention location, timeframe, and credit details. Include a link if available for more information or registration.

Learn about the program

Optional Header - 3

Use this section to spotlight meaningful aspects of your department. These can include academic strengths, student opportunities, or resources that enhance the learning experience. Each item should have a clear title, a short description (1–2 sentences), and can include an optional link or image.

Check out where you'll learn!

Degrees & Certificates

View list below for programs offered at Foothill. Then select program map for a possible schedule that fulfills program and college requirements.

For program requirements and full course listings, view degrees and certificates information.

Associate in Science Degree

NOTE: When viewing this program map, you may select from two pathways — 1. Accelerated; and 2. Part-time.

Veterinary Technology, AS Program Map

Certificate of Achievement

Veterinary Assisting (Fully Online), CA Program Map

Quick Look at Veterinary Technology Courses

For a quick look at [Department] courses at Foothill, see list below. For complete course details, including units, hours and prerequisites, view course catalog. For when a course is offered, view class schedule.

V T 51 Introduction to Veterinary Technology
V T 51A Freshman Seminar
V T 51B Current Topics in Veterinary Technology II
V T 51C Service Learning & Leadership for Veterinary Nurses
V T 51D Senior Seminar
V T 51E Current Topics in Veterinary Technology V
V T 51F Career Exploration for Veterinary Nurses
V T 52A Veterinary Assisting I
V T 52B Veterinary Assisting II
V T 53A Veterinary Medical Terminology
V T 53B Medical Calculations for Veterinary Nurses
V T 53C Introduction to Large Animal Nursing
V T 54A Comparative Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology for the Veterinary Technician
V T 54B Comparative Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology for the Veterinary Technician
V T 55 Small Animal Nursing I
V T 56 Small Animal Nursing II
V T 57L Advanced Small Animal Nursing
V T 58L Surgical Assisting for the Veterinary Nurse
V T 60 Veterinary Office Practice
V T 61 Pathophysiology of Animal Disease
V T 66 Exotic Animal Care
V T 70 Fundamentals of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging
V T 70R Independent Study in Veterinary Technology
V T 71R Independent Study in Veterinary Technology
V T 72 Principles of Veterinary Dentistry
V T 72R Independent Study in Veterinary Technology
V T 73R Independent Study in Veterinary Technology
V T 75A Animal Care Skills I
V T 75B Animal Care Skills II
V T 75C Large Animal Skills Laboratory
V T 81 Clinical Pathology Methods
V T 83 Pharmacology for Veterinary Nurses
V T 84 Anesthesiology for Technicians
V T 84L Veterinary Anesthesia Laboratory
V T 85 Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care
V T 86 Laboratory Animal Nursing
V T 88A Clinical Preceptorship I
V T 89 Clinical Internship I
V T 91 Clinical Internship II
V T 92 Clinical Internship III
V T 93 Clinical Internship IV
V T 95 Veterinary Technician Proficiency

Frequently Asked Questions or Steps to Follow

Use this accordion snippet for FAQs or Steps to Apply for a your CTE program. Choose black or grey color and accordion type counter (numbered) or regular (no number).

Heading 1

Content 1 Here

Heading 2

Content 2 Here

Heading 3

Content 3 Here

Add a short, authentic quote from a current or former student that reflects their experience in the program. The quote should be personal and positive, highlighting the program’s strengths, faculty, support system, or impact on their goals.

Student Name

Optional Location

Program/Degree Name